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Top summer getaway spots
Planning a well-deserved weekend getaway or your year-end holiday? Then consider our selection of hot-spots all over South Africa.
As the weather heats up and many start planning weekend breaks and end of year holidays, we thought it would be nice to include some great locations from all over South Africa where you can relax and enjoy our great South African sunshine. Remember: "Keep your face towards the sunshine and shadows will fall behind you."
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 St Francis Bay (* EDITOR'S CHOICE)
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 Bloemfontein
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 Hennops River, Northern Gauteng
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 Southbroom
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 Bela Bela
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 Waterval Boven
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 Hartebeespoort
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 McCarthys Rest
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 Yzerfontein
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Eastern Cape
St Francis Bay (* EDITOR'S CHOICE)
Discover this unique paradise on South Africa's Sunshine Coast, which draws people from all over the world. Just over an hour's drive from Port Elizabeth, the St Francis area consists of St Francis Bay, Port St Francis and Cape St Francis. A place of compelling beauty, and a popular holiday getaway holiday spot.
It offers ideal surfing conditions and it's just a 15 minute drive to Jeffrey's Bay, one of the world's best surfing spots, where events like the Billabong Challenge are held every year.
Avid golfers will love the relatively new world-class St Francis Links golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus.
The pristine village of St Francis Bay is ideally located for either a short visit whilst exploring the magnificent Garden Route, en route to Cape Town.
Recommended Accommodation
BriSan on the Canals Guest House
Enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the St Francis canals at BriSan, a four star elegantly appointed thatched guest house ideally set on the canals of St Francis Bay, with a lovely private beach and sundecks for relaxation.
B&B accommodation in spacious, en-suite guest rooms, each unique in their own way.
(It is worthwhile noting that one can also hire out houses on the canals in season through the various estate agents in the area at a daily rate).
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BriSan on the Canals, 7 Spray Avenue, St Francis Bay, 6312, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Contact: Sandy Cunningham
Tel: +27 (0)42 294-1894
Mobile: +27 (0)83 266-7824
Website: www.brisan.co.za
Email: brisan@tiscali.co.za
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Free State
Bloemfontein
Bloemfontein, the "City of Roses", as it had become known locally, has a peaceful atmosphere which can be felt in every street, on every pavement - all of which are noticeably clean and free of litter.
What keeps the past so alive is the unobtrusive and almost natural inclusion of an impressive architectural and historical heritage into the very life of a modern, developing city - here the past becomes part of the present.
Recommended Accommodation
Franklin View Guesthouse
Franklin View is a four-star up market guesthouse situated on the Northern slopes of Naval Hill (The highest house on the Northern slopes) with a magnificent view over the suburb of Waverley with its beautiful trees of purple, orange and green during daytime and an ocean of flickering lights at night. Enjoy a home-away-from-home experience.
The rustic atmosphere of yellow wood and leather in the spacious living area gives you a warm feeling of comfort. It is easily accessible from the N1 and only 5 minutes away from city centre and +-10 minutes from the airport.
Each of the luxurious rooms with its panoramic view opens on a balcony.
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Franklin View Guesthouse, 9 E Innes Avenue, Waverley, Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa
Contact: Gustav Swanepoel
Tel: +27 (0)83 262-1245
Website: www.franklinview.co.za
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Gauteng
Hennops River, Northern Gauteng
Enjoy a true highveld experience just 25km from the Sandton CBD. With its rolling koppies and grasslands that dominate the landscape, the Hennops River give you a real sense of peace and that great feeling of being out in the country.
Recommended Accommodation
River Place Country Estate
River Place Country Estate is a magnificent new venue that takes full advantage of the magnificent mountain vistas, river views and landscaped indigenous gardens, all combining to provide an idyllic experience.
The impressive setting and facilities, together with their meticulous attention to detail and emphasis on stylish sophistication and timeless elegance will help you unwind.
A place with a profound sense of peace, River Place makes one feel as if you're far removed from the city.
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River Place Country Estate, No. 18, R511, Hennops River, Northern Gateng, Gauteng, South Africa
Contact: Lourens de Villiers
Tel: +27 (0)12 659-0052
Mobile: +27 (0)82 745-8931
Website: www.riverplace.co.za
Email: info@riverplace.co.za
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KwaZulu-Natal
Southbroom
Southbroom can be found on South Africa's east coast, between Margate and Port Edward, and is considered by many to be the most upmarket residential area on the Hibiscus Coast.
Its village atmosphere, beautiful beaches and stunning golf course have enticed both international and resident South Africans to live there or have a second home there.
Southbroom's main beach splits the lagoon from the sea, is protected by shark nets and has life-guards on duty in season. Of the other beaches located in Southbroom, Granny's pool remains a favourite for families with young children due to its huge safe rock pool.
Recommended Accommodation
White Shores Guest House
White Shores offers 5-star elegant and luxury living at the edge of the sea. Guests can wake up to the sight and sound of the ocean from the comfort of your room. The sight of whales and dolphins in season is a rejuvenating experience.
The main beach offers excellent swimming and surfing and the natural elevation of the headland provides breathtaking views of the ocean. It is the perfect place for a getaway or holiday.
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White Shores Guest House, 380 Outlook Road, Southbroom, South Coast, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
Contact: Viviane or Corinne
Tel: +27 (0)39 316-6534
Mobile: +27 (0)82 569-2192
Website: www.whiteshores.co.za
Email: bookings@whiteshores.co.za
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Limpopo
Bela Bela
Bela Bela meaning "Boiling Boiling" refers to the natural hot springs in town. This spring water is rich in limestone minerals, attracting thousands of visitors who come to the town to enjoy the healing qualities of the waters for which the local resort is famous.
The many game farms offer a wide range of activities from night drives, game walks and testing hiking trails. Golfing and adventure sports centres have also been established here for the adventure enthusiast.
Recommended Accommodation
Itaga Private Game Lodge
Itaga Lodge is less than a 2-hour drive from Johannesburg, near Bela Bela in Limpopo, situated in a 12,000 hectare, Malaria free game reserve - home to the 'big 5'.
Itaga has earned a proud reputation as an exclusive, graded five star lodging establishment of understated elegance, offering eight luxuriously appointed climate controlled en-suite, African styled chalets, conference facilities, excellent service and fine cuisine.
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Itaga Private Game Lodge, Mabalingwe Nature Reserve, Bela Bela, Limpopo, South Africa
Contact: Reservations
Tel: +27-011-289-8020
Website: www.itaga.co.za
Email: itaga@holidayholdings.co.za
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Mpumalanga
Waterval Boven
The village of Waterval Boven is nestled in the Drakensberg Mountains on the fringe of the escarpment, at the foot of the southern hills.
It is rich with historical sites and buildings, which are now proclaimed national monuments.
There is also the old ZASM Tunnel and Five Arch Bridge, as well as President Paul Kruger's official residence where he resided in 1900 before going into exile in Europe.
The Elands River Waterfall is visible from the mouth of the old Railway Tunnel.
Recommended Accommodation
Shamrock Arms Guest Lodge
The Shamrock Arms is 4-star guest lodge offering good value, tranquil surroundings and wholesome food. The lodge is authentically Victorian and comfortably modern and traces its history back to 1894.
Situated on the Mpumalanga Highlands Meander - a mere 2.5 hours from Johannnesburg - and clasped by the picturesque and historic village of Waterval Boven - gateway to the world-famous Kruger National Park - you are guaranteed a country-village ambience that will soothe your soul.
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Shamrock Arms Guest Lodge, 68 3rd Avenue, Waterval Boven, 1195, Mpumalanga, South Africa
Contact: Cheryl Jansen
Tel: +27 (0)13 257-0888
Mobile: +27 (0)82 900-1362
Website: www.shamrockarms.co.za
Email: info@shamrockarms.co.za
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North West
Hartebeespoort
The village of Hartbeespoort (also known as Harties) is situated on the slopes of the majestic Magaliesberg Mountains and along the shore of the popular Hartebeestpoort Dam.
Hartbeespoort lies conveniently close to both Johannesburg and Pretoria, making it a much sought after weekend destination, and water sports are high on the agenda for most visitors to the edge of the dam.
Staying here gives you the best of two worlds, surrounded as you are by both water and mountains; a combination that never ceases to have an effect on those stealing time away from the city humdrum.
Recommended Accommodation
Kosmos Manor
The 5-star Kosmos Manor named after the quaint neighbourhood that it stems from, Kosmos Manor on the banks of the Hartbeespoort Dam consists of 6 beautifully appointed rooms with combination of Victorian romance and modern hi-tech decor.
This elegant guest house focuses on ensuring guests feel light, fresh and breezy, making it virtually impossible to do much more than don some loose cotton clothing, slip on some flip flops and lazily while away the time on the pool deck overlooking the stunning Magalies mountain range in the back ground.
Take advantage of all the Mountains have to offer - bush walking, sightseeing, wonderful spring and autumn gardens, golf courses, cafes and restaurants, or just browsing in the local villages. Kosmos Manor is located 40 minutes drive from Johannesburg and 30 minutes from Pretoria in the Magaliesberg range, on the Hartebeespoort Dam Waterfront.
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Kosmos Manor, 107 Simon Bekker Drive, Kosmos, Hartebeespoort Dam, North West Province, South Africa
Contact: Lize
Tel: +27 (0)12 253-5116
Mobile: +27 (0)82 679-1315
Website: www.kosmosmanor.co.za
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Northern Cape
McCarthys Rest
McCarthy's Rest lies snug up against the border with Botswana, just outside the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park .
Isolated in the northern perimeter of the Kalahari Desert. It is perhaps that isolation that makes McCarthy's Rest the incredible experience it is, while offering access to some incredible game parks and scenery.
Recommended Accommodation
Soetvlakte Guest Farm
Soetvlakte is a three-star cattle and game farm, situated 133km from Kuruman on the road to McCarthy's Rest.
Enjoy luxury accommodation and exquisite meals and fill your day with the peace of a crisp sunrise, bird and game watching, sunsets and pure nature. Exquisite meals are prepared to your taste whilst you experience the Kalahari.
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Soetvlakte Guest Farm, McCarthys Rest / Kuruman District, Kalahari, Northern Cape, South Africa
Contact: Dorette Hauman, Tel: +27 (0)53 751-1631, Fax: +27 (0)53 751-1630, Mobile: +27 (0)83 470-664
Website: www.soetvlakte.co.za
Email: dorette@soetvlakte.co.za
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Western Cape
Yzerfontein
Situated on South Africa's west coast about a 90 minutes drive from Cape Town.
The town is laid out around a rocky cape and harbour and is best known for its tranquility, sixteen mile beach, spring flowers and breathtaking views.
The village is in close proximity of the Darling Wine Experience Route, where a number of award vineyards can be found.
Recommended Accommodation
La Villa (Self Catering House)
La Villa is a self catering house set on a green belt of natural Fynbos vegetation in the Pearl Bay area of Yzerfontein.
It is just 3 minutes walk from the beach and the two terraces, offer magnificent sea views, views of Table Mountain and Dassen Island.
The house is fully equipped and serviced, and offers a fully fitted kitchen and scullery / laundry, lounge and dining room, DSTV.
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www.lavilla.co.za
La Villa, 16 Sauerman Street, Yzerfontein, 7351, West Coast, Western Cape, South Africa
Contact: Maretha Roux
Tel: +27 (0)22 451-2095
Mobile: +27 (0)78 648-1222
Website: www.lavilla.co.za
Email: info@lavilla.co.za
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